"The Idea of a Woman Stealing Someone Else's Partner is Ridiculous," I laughed. But After Being Reborn, I Became a Victim of Such a Woman. However, My New Fiancée was Absolutely Amazing. - Episode 5
When I got home, my father was already there, which was unusual.
He told me to change out of my uniform and come to the living room. When I did, my father let out a deep sigh.
So, the discussion with the main family was difficult, after all.
“First, regarding the engagement cancellation that was announced at the Arisugawa Kaname’s birthday party yesterday. It was done by His Highness’ own decision, and His Highness’ father, the head of the Arisugawa family, Jinbei, didn’t know about it.”
“Ah, I thought so…”
The engagement, which was an agreement between our families, was canceled unilaterally, and then they spread rumors without basis.
In my past life, I remember a video on a certain channel saying you can get compensation for a broken engagement.
So, does that mean we could get compensation from the Arisugawa family?
…No, judging by my father’s expression, it doesn’t seem like that will happen.
“Therefore, the Arisugawa family wants to continue the engagement. As for me, I don’t want you to marry someone like His Highness, who is distracted by other women. I’m not going to marry you off to someone who isn’t the firstborn who will inherit the family. Given the situation, they’ve asked if we can resolve this with just an apology and compensation. I told them I’d consult with you first before responding… What do you want to do?”
“I’m fine with the engagement being canceled.”
What a foolish thing to say! Are they mocking us, the Arisugawa family?
I was told in front of nearly a hundred guests that the engagement was broken, and I was humiliated! They’re looking down on us!
If their child is awful, then the parents are awful too!
“Naturally. They’ve underestimated us, a father-and-son family.”
“Yeah… I could tell from the start.”
“To be honest, if it weren’t for the main family, I would have completely opposed this. They don’t even hide their condescending attitude. They may have money, but…”
“What does the main family say?”
My father has always shown his dislike for the Arisugawa family on his face.
However, this engagement involved the Kujo family, so it’s not something that can be decided by our family alone.
“The main family is taking this engagement cancellation seriously. Whether they continue the engagement or not, they said that the Arisugawa family must calm the rumors, issue a formal apology, and pay compensation. It seems the girl who was with His Highness is quite close with many boys at school.”
“Yes, well… I heard there are several other young ladies who are in the process of having their engagements canceled because they’ve fallen for her. I didn’t know about any of this, as I’ve been so absorbed in studying spiritual arts.”
“…As a child of the central family, you’re really… something else.”
“I’m sorry.”
My father lowered his eyebrows in disbelief.
It can’t be helped. I know, but I’m not good at joining in on the social circles among women and gathering information about the families.
I understand it’s necessary, but…
“Well, it can’t be helped. People have their strengths and weaknesses. The main family said that if you want to cancel the engagement, that’s fine. However, they also said that once an engagement is broken, they won’t help you find a new marriage partner.”
“So, they’re saying I have to find someone on my own if I want to get married.”
“That’s what they said.”
This is probably to be expected.
Even though we have no fault in this situation, the fact that the engagement was canceled will still make people suspicious.
Even if we get compensation, it will show that we’re not at fault, but once an engagement is broken, few families would choose that person as a first spouse.
Especially in a family like ours, a father-and-son household with little money.
The disgraceful actions of that awful woman are already well known in high society as a scandal about the Yuukizaka family.
I’m already considered the daughter of a problematic family, so the main family can’t afford to keep helping. It makes sense they’d say I need to handle things myself.
“Of course, that’s only if you want to get married.”
“Well, honestly… I’m not interested in marriage. I’m much more focused on studying spiritual arts and researching spiritual talismans right now…”
“Ah… well, then, continue your studies as you have been. After graduation, you can work at the Barrier Control Bureau. There, even as a woman, you can work without any issues and earn money, and you won’t be mocked for being single. After I’m gone, you’ll be able to live on your own just fine.”
“…Yes.”
For a moment, I was speechless.
What my father is looking at is my future.
But… the Barrier Control Bureau manages a hundred different barriers.
Once you join, it’s almost impossible to leave. Everything you need is taken care of within the bureau.
They don’t have children, so you just spend all day maintaining the barriers, using your spiritual power, like a “battery.”
As a woman, whether I’d be happy there is a little uncertain.
But since I don’t have to think about marriage and I can continue my research within the bureau—
“However, you really want to study spiritual arts and talismans, don’t you?”
“Huh? …Umm… isn’t research possible at the Barrier Control Bureau?”
“Other forms of spiritual arts are prohibited inside the Bureau because they could interfere with the barriers.”
“What!? That’s impossible!!”
Then I can’t do any research there!?
I couldn’t help but ask my father, “Isn’t there anywhere where I can study spiritual arts freely?!”
He muttered something about the Central City Research Institute, but that’s mostly men working there.
The research is focused on weapons, military tactics, and combat spiritual arts for soldiers.
But what I want to research are practical spiritual arts and talismans for everyday life.
Even the combat ones are more about self-defense.
“Your research is different from the Central City’s interests. If you want to pursue it, you’ll have to get approval from the family or the head of the family to arrange a research space and support. The main family, however, is not interested in this at all.”
“That… that’s…”